Turkey - bone/meat ratios and taste.?

Question

I had some questions regarding turkey and size.

1) Does the size of the turkey change its flavor? Are small birds better than big ones or vice-versa?

2) Does the size of the turkey change its meat/bone ratio? Do I get more meat per pound from a large turkey vs. a small one?

-->Adam

Answer 1

Big turkeys are tough and sinewy.

If you are having a large gathering, two 12 pound turkeys are much better tasting and provide more meat than one 24 pound turkey.

..

Answer 2

1)no.There is not a relationship.

2)No.Heavy means more fat.

Answer 3

I don't normally buy the whole turkey, just the breast, but I've bought ones of varying sizes and can honestly say that the smaller ones are more tender and taste better.  The bones get larger as the turkey gets larger, but it gets tougher.  Also, it's cheaper to buy two smaller turkeys than one big one because it takes longer to grow the larger turkey. So I agree with the answer above where they say to get two 12 pounders instead of one 24 pounder.

Answer 4

Picking a turkey, read the labels. They'll list the weight, the age of the turkey, and its quality grade. Age will have more effect  on taste than size, but size is related to age.

The more expensive fryers and roasters weigh less than 8 pounds and are no older than 16 weeks.

Young roasters are the most commercially popular. They can weigh as much as 24 pounds and are no older than 8 months.

Older birds, labeled "yearling" or "mature," are tougher, more economical, and fine for soups and stews.

The bone/meat ratio is not going to change enough to make a difference.

If you can find a free range raised turkey, go for it.  It will taste better than the "mass produced" turkey.